Model:  JAF0003

Manufacturer:  Cool Jag

Provider:  Xoxide

Reviewed By:  Miguel

Review Date:  07/13/08

  While the whole modding scene is obviously not at the level it was a few years ago, many manufacturers still cater to the modding community and while much more rare these days, many do end up releasing unique products to satisfy such PC enthusiasts.  Take a simple cooling fan for example.  Upon first thought, you may think that not much else can such a product offer to stand out from the crowd.  We have seen plenty of unique methods over the years from those focusing heavily on maximum airflow and minimal noise, to those who shift their focus on the extreme modder, offering fans with unique LED displays and even some text display.  However, after personally predicting such a product to eventually hit the market, one company has finally released a fully programmable fan capable of configuring it similar to how you would configure an LED or VFD display.  Yes, the CoolJag Programmable LED Flash Fan takes customization to another level, leaving a big smile on the face of even the most discerning PC modder.

Packaging & Contents

Xoxide sent over a couple of these unique fans for review and they do come in a rather large blister pack in order to make room for the extras required to take advantage of these unique features.  This includes an illustrated guide, mini software CD, USB interface cable and transfer box, 4-pin to 3-pin power adapter cable and some mounting screws.

Now, I would like to comment further on the highly unique USB adapter and cable.  While I have personally not found a product with such a unique interface, it is designed and manufactured by an third party company.  This company happens to be Everflow, which not only should be credited for designing the interface hardware, but the software you'll end up playing with to "program" the fan itself.  While cleverly designed, I will be honest and say that both the adapter and conversion cable are quite fragile and care should be taken to ensure that nothing ends up breaking.  However, considering its primary use and the fact that you will likely not have to use it on a regular basis, it does serve its purpose well.  The link cable itself has two unique ends, one of which is a straight 4-pin plug that connects to the primary control box and the other sporting an angled 4-pin plug that you will connect to the fan itself.

The Fan

The fan is standard in terms of its dimensions and sports an all clear plastic design.  The biggest difference over a standard fan is the thin circuit board that extends from the center PCB and runs across the entire length of the fan, one end of which is secured to one of its fan blades.  The fan sports a standard 3-pin power cable to plug into your motherboard header but does ship with an adapter to run it straight from the PSU via a 4-pin Molex connector.  Now, you'll have to look very closely but in the center fan motor area which also contains a PCB for such functionality, you'll find a small connector that will be used to "program" the fan to display custom text via the included software.  It is small and kind of hard to spot.  Heck, I couldn't locate it quickly myself.  If you look at the screenshot above to your right, the small connector is actually located right in the center motor area where you'll find the "Everflow" label. 

Specifications

I'm one who likes to provide the most detailed specs possible and with this product, not only could I not find enough, but the specs on Xoxide.com are incorrect and most of the info refers to their 80mm model that is also available.  Anyways, below are the best specs I could gather on the product...

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